May I propose that the topic I will share my thoughts on is for some reason or the other overshadowed by the discussion and concepts surrounding leadership skills and qualities.
There is now a plethora of theories and concepts pertaining to good leadership. However, I think that there is less talk about what is expected of the followers of leadership.
A follower, in my view, has a pronounced role to play in the success of a leader. I must mention at this juncture, that I am in no way suggesting that followers should make a career out of following and never aspire to be in a position of leadership! I think that part of training into leadership is to understand the role that those that are being influenced by leaders play in the achievement of objectives.
The following tips are offered to followers;
1. Understanding and respect for the leadership structure
I think that followers need to understand how their role impacts leadership. All input is ultimately given to the leader to take ownership and responsibility for the outcome. Imagine an executive management whose members all communicate as the Chief Executive Officer. Who takes responsibility for the submissions of executive management in the event of exposure to the Board?
2. Making a connection between one’s role and that of the organisation
Imagine you are a data entry clerk and you omit to make some entries of details required to populate the payroll, or you do not file tax returns for the company on time? In the first instance, some employees will not receive their salaries and the company will have to generate another payment and incur bank charges for that transaction. In the second instance, the company will incur costs in penalties for late submissions. The impact goes beyond neglect and extends to the organization’s bottom line figure. Examples abound and differ in severity but the point that remains is that followers are just as critical to the overall performance of the leadership as the leadership themselves. The clarion call is for one to be diligent and responsible by making the connection.
3. Understanding that the leader often has to take the hit for followers
“I have your back” or “the buck stops with me” or “its my head on the chopping board” are common phrases that leaders inevitably fall back on to explain their role in so far as taking responsibility and being accountable for the actions of their team. More like vicarious liability, where for example, an employee who is driving a company vehicle on duty and causes an accident. The company is liable for the employee’s action towards the third-party claimant. Recognising that there is a point that the leader carries your burden is a powerful enabler for you to ensure that you give nothing but your best to the team because it may be relied upon and defended by your leader.
